Navigation rules are designed to keep boats, ships, and other vessels safe on the water. They are created to ensure vessels know where they should be, how they should get there, and who has the right of way. These rules must be followed except under certain circumstances. Knowing when you can and can’t overlook navigation rules is essential to staying safe while you are out on the water.
When navigating at night, it is important to adjust the regulations to keep yourself safe. To make a safe night journey, it is essential to know what lights other vessels are displaying so you are aware of their intentions. If a vessel is displaying the proper lights, you should pass it as far to port of that vessel as possible. This means that it is okay to adjust the navigation rules when passing others in the dark.
Under communication rules, a vessel must slow down, stop, or change course if signaled to do so by another vessel. However, in an emergency, speeding up or overlooking these regulations may be necessary. For example, if falling asleep at the wheel endangers the vessel, then an emergency situation has been created which justifies the captain to ignore the rules.
If a captain experiences engine failure, they may be required to overlook specific navigation rules. Depending on the conditions, the captain may be allowed to pass a restricted zone or area under certain circumstances. For instance, the captain will be able to pass restricted shipping lanes if they are unable to steer the vessel and it is drifting towards them.
It is also possible to pass another vessel in certain circumstances. Passing another vessel on the same part of the water is considered imprudent, especially with smaller boats, unless the other vessel is stopped or if it is drifting. Vessels under power should never pass each other at the same time and the same part of the water.
Ultimately, there are certain situations where it is necessary to overlook navigation rules. In most cases, though, it is recommended that vessels abide by the regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on board. Navigating the waters at night, during an emergency, or when passing another vessel can be dangerous, so understanding when you can and cannot overlook navigation rules is essential.